Slimming Programmes

Slimming is defined as the process to reduce an excess of body fat accumulated in the body which in the long run is a storehouse of risk factors. Being overweight is due to the most simple of reasons- eating the wrong foods in wrong calories in the wrong patterns at the wrong times Food is more powerful than any prescription weight loss pills, because the food that one eats can either make one thin or fat. One does not get fat just because of a lack of exercising. One gets fat because one does not eat the right foods at the right intervals each day. Our body is like an "engine" which needs only certain foods at certain intervals; if one does not eat the right foods at the right times then it won't burn those calories and the body will wind up storing those calories as fat tissue. There is a tendency to over eat in response to negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger.

Losing excess weight makes a big difference in reducing the co-morbidities like hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, joint pain and sleep apnea, certain cancers, depression and dermatological problems .In many cases, existing diseases will improve or the risk of developing a disease will be reduced The best approach to weight loss or slimming is a program that includes healthy eating, exercise, behavioral modification and if necessary, drug therapy.

Apart from being a cosmetic issue it is a serious medical issue .So health risks due to putting on weight are obesity, Type-2 diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, Stroke, Osteoarthritis, Gout, infertility, back and joint pain, high blood pressure, gallstones, fatty liver, breathlessness, depression, insomnia, etc. Weight-loss surgery is a proven effective way to help people not only to lose weight, but maintain the weight loss for the long term.

According to Ayurveda the excessive fat are the outcome of an unexercised body, sleeping in the afternoon, diet and life styles which increase Kapha and consuming sweetened foods. Diabetes is also a major concern among obese patients. According to Ayurveda, people with a Kapha
(Water) constitution are more likely to gain weight through excess fat than a Pitta (Fire) or Vata (Air) person. People with an imbalance in their Kapha energy have to take that little extra care to avoid putting on those unwanted pounds.

Diagnosis - The Ayurveda way

All treatments in Ayurveda are prescribed only after a careful diagnosis of the patient's body constitution, family history, sex, age, stage of the disease etc. This will enable the patient to receive treatments that are specifically suited to his very needs. Ayurveda treatments will therefore vary from patient to patient.

The first consultation with an Ayurveda doctor, including the diagnosis will last for more than an hour. The basic step in the diagnosis will be to find the person's body humour (Dosha) - Vata, Pita or Kapha, because it is the imbalance of these body humours that create every disease.

The dominance of dosha in a person is found by asking several questions on his behaviour, food habits, sleeping patterns, personal details like age, height & weight, place of life, profession, health problems and medical reports etc. Ayurveda diagnosis comprises of clinical and laboratory tests also. The doctor can decide if an Ayurveda treatment is helpful on providing these details.

Pulse, tongue, nail, and eye examinations are important diagnosis methods used to reveal a person's body humour and its imbalance. This will help the doctor in treating the disease.

Pulse diagnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the dosha imbalance and the health of the various body organs.

In tongue diagnosis, the doctor checks the general appearance, colour and coating of the tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs of the body, the Ayurveda practitioner can determine which organs of the body are out of balance by having a detailed tongue examination.
Nail examination is done to check the type, colour and shape of the person's nail. Imbalances of doshas are easily detected on close examination.

In the eye diagnosis, the colour, size and even the shape of the eyes are important in determining the dosha dominance of a person. His mental status,nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be learned through eye diagnosis.

A preliminary consultation with Ayurveda doctors online is also possible nowadays for guests worldwide

Treatment Methods for Slimming

After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and Rasayana therapies. These treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.

The treatments suggested here are for general guidance only. It may vary according to the decision of the doctor for each person.

Panchakarma for Slimming

Pre purification therapies
Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding the wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind.

A few of the following pre-purification methods are usually adopted in the treatment for slimming.

Thailadhara means continuous showering and massaging of the whole body with warm medicated oil for active perspiration. The oil is a blend of such highly effective herbs as sida, deodar, White lead wort, malabar nut, liquorice, sesame oil , castor oil and milk.

In Njavarakizhi the whole body or any specific part of it is made to perspire by applying herb filled boluses on the body sida plant, winter cherry and asparagus are some of the medicinal herbs used in njavarakizhi. The treatment may last from one hour to one and a half hours.

Udvarthanam is body massage with herbal powder lasting for nearly thirty minutes. The most commonly used powder is thriphala, a mixture of gooseberry, belerica and myrobalan

Abhyangam treatment ( whole body massage with special herbal oils ) is given to the patient It improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the whole body, delays aging, induces sound sleep, promotes vitality, reduces stress and removes toxins. Guuchi, Guggulu and Indian gooseberry are some of the medicinal herbs used in Abhyangam.

Main purification therapies for Slimming

This is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors.

Panchakarma therapies, which are mainly used for purification or elimination of toxins. For weight loss Virechana (Purgation Treatment) or Basti (Medicated Enema) are recommended, depending on the individualís health.

Virechanam is the purgation using oral intake of safe herbal medicines. This eliminates poisonous wastes through the anal route. Generally, the herbs used are turpith, embellia fruits,ginger, cardamom, long pepper, cinnamon etc

Vasthi is enema therapy; the ace colon cleaning Panchakarma treatment. Special medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. Commonly used ingredients are dill seeds, honey, rock salt, herbal pastes, oils and decoctions.
Rasayana Therapies for Slimming

These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course. Rasayana treatments for slimming consist of oral medicines and diet regulation.

Oral Medicines for Slimming

Herbal medicines form an important part of any ayurvedic treatment. Oral medicines for slimming will be extracts of pure medicinal herbs, leaves, spices etc. These are prepared specifically to restore the lost balance, reduce the extra pounds and to provide the needed inputs for slimming.

Kashayamand Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations

Lehyams Ė semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed.Neem, ginger, amaltas, nutmeg, liquorices, gooseberry, bael etc are some of the medicinal herbs used in the preparation of kashayams, lehyams and arishtams for the use of Obesity patients.

The type and quantity of the medicines to be taken are decided by the doctor after a detailed consultation and examination. The patientís body type, age etc are also important factors to be considered.

Diet regulations for Slimming

Diet regulation will be suggested for patients suffering from overweight. Proper diet is a brilliant means of controlling and curing Obesity. Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest for the needed organs.

Food that is excessively rich in carbohydrates like rice and potatoes must be avoided. Wheat should instead be consumed. A diet of natural foods and germinated wheat are recommended. Raw root vegetables, whole wheat bread and honey are recommended. Juice of fresh fruits and vegetables should also be consumed. An occasional fasting is also advisable.

Fatty substances like red meat must be avoided as it may lead to cardiovascular problems. It is necessary to cut down on the consumption of sugar and sweet foods. Bitter and pungent foods are, however, suggested as these are found to be effective in controlling weight.

One can find out the type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for oneself.

Digestive Stimulator

Digestive Stimulator is a natural herbal stimulant that tones, cleanses, and purifies the entire digestive system. The dosages will vary for each person to assure that one's bowels are moving at least three times a day. During this program it is vitally important that one has regular bowel movements to keep the toxin absorber moving through the intestinal system.

Yoga and Meditation are proven and effective way to develop and maintain perfect harmony and balance in our body systems. It provides us with immunity against all diseases. It alters brain wave activities reflecting in increased relaxation and a better focused mind. The commonly suggested yoga postures for Obesity are Salbhasana (Locust) and Pranayama (Deep breathing exercise).